Ashdown High School

Dear Parents and Students of Ashdown High School of Innovation:

A great year is in store for all with a huge repertoire of innovative opportunities for all beginning in 9th grade with the Associate's Degree program in which students who aspire to reach for this high accelerated program early and graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate Degree.  Courses begin in 9th grade for those who wish and have reached specific criteria on the Accuplacer and or ACT Aspire.

Our course selections for careers begin early with students exploring medical, business, science, social sciences, Computer Science, AG Metals, Animal Science, and  ELA.  Physical education classes have expanded to a physical wellness class that is open to all students, both athletes and non-athletes.

Computer Science classes are added this year with more Robotics and Computer Science additions to provide additional pathways. An addition of an Accounting class provides this pathway with Intro to Business (Survey of Business), along with Accounting 1 (being offered this year) and Accounting 2 next year.   With Accounting being one of the most in-demand jobs, AHS continues to revise pathways to help our students prepare for the skills needed to grasp future job opportunities. 

Extracurricular activities continue to provide opportunities for students with far-reaching interests such as esports, golf, and cross country. Our Purple Pride Marching Band continues to provide over 40 students with a wealth of opportunities to develop skills in performing and music knowledge skills.  Our drama /theater production classes produce two elaborate productions each year with a multi-talented group of students from grades 9 - 12.  Our art department provides art appreciation as well as visual and ceramics, which make for a great program of study.  Those who aspire to go beyond with careers in the arts are being provided skills and exposure to world-renowned artists and work with visits of Crystal Bridges and other acclaimed visual arts museums.

A very successful Panther Academy provides students with the support they often need to find success and succeed, earning diplomas that demonstrate determination and hard work. 

Career exploration and real-world application are provided through our workforce Internship program and  Lockesburg Industrial Maintenance Center. Pathways with coursework provide the skills needed to meet the high demand for jobs in a competitive job market.  Students who complete this study leave with no college debt and certifications to begin building a career with high-paying wages and job opportunities.    AHS is committed to connecting  students with employers as well as working with students on required skills for the workforce.

Our focus on Innovation continues to provide a vast array of career opportunities for students, as well as familiarize and develop skills to be ready for after high school.

Community connections and mentors are sought continuously as we value this support and welcome them into our school community.

Our Baseball Team won the State Title for 3A this past Spring, as well as our Senior Boys' Track Team.  The Senior Girls' Track team received Runner-up for State as well.  We had 7 members of our Skills USA team qualify for Nationals and travel to Atlanta, Georgia for the National Convention.  Our Trap team, as well as ESports, continue to grow and perform well at Regionals and State.  

Our High School Staff consists of 65% with Master's degrees or higher. 

We have a total of 90 9th graders joining High School this year with many already taking and passing the Accuplacer, which will allow them to take concurrent classes and be able to graduate AHS well on their way to meeting a degree beyond high school.  

A great staff that is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of our great students is our goal this year with the assistance of all the programs and supports that are in place.  

I welcome every one of our students to a very successful and productive year!

Kay York

AHS School of Innovation Principal